No one is trying to feed a baby to a bear, but today in Edinburgh, the famous Wojtek the Solider Bear statue is carrying a baby in a sling. Equally, no one is suggesting that a baby gets into a boxing match, yet Ken Buchanan’s statue is also adorned with a baby and a sling.
The stunt, which also includes the Robert Fergusson walking statue on the Royal Mile, is by The Dad Shift and is about better paternity leave.
The Dad Shift want UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to increase paternity leave for new fathers and co-parents. Currently, UK leave is among the worst in Europe, at £184.03 and two weeks.
George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift, said,
We’re celebrating the role these figures played as fathers as we launch this new campaign for better paternity leave. 90% of dads agree that fathers these days want to be a bigger part of their kids’ lives. Having seen Keir Starmer stand up for his right to spend time with his children we know he gets it and are sure that a better deal for British dads and co-parents is possible.”
The Dad Shift cites a poll of over 4,000 adults in which 73% agreed that “Fathers these days want to be a bigger part of their children’s lives”.
Thomas Lynch, CEO of Dads Rock Scotland, told the press;
Scottish dads and co-parents want to play a full role in the lives of their kids from day one. We need Westminster to play its part and deliver better paternity leave. With the UK’s offer the worst in Europe it’s well past time.”
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